If you believe that you were wrongfully terminated, you may want to pursue a wrongful termination lawsuit against your employer. You could be compensated for your damages if you can prove that you were wrongfully terminated.
There are many reasons for wrongful termination. It could be because of sexual discrimination or harassment, it could be racial discrimination, or it could be as retaliation because you reported unethical or illegal activity. There are many reasons for wrongful termination, so you should maintain evidence and supporting documentation to show that there was not a legitimate reason for your termination.
As an example, if there has been ongoing harassment or discrimination, you should keep all supporting evidence and documentation. Also, get statements from any witnesses who saw how you were discriminated against or harassed. Keep your employment contract, your handbook, and anything else that is associated with your job and how you were wrongfully terminated from your job.
Damages You May Be Entitled To Receive
If you have been the victim of wrongful termination, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages. Here is a rundown of some of the more commonly claimed damages recovered through a wrongful termination lawsuit:
- Lost earnings – which includes the wages you were to receive while you were out of work as well as the difference between your old and new salaries if you have found new employment that pays less
- Lot benefits – this may include increased premiums for health insurance because you lost your employer-provided coverage
- Costs associated with your job search
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Medical expenses resulting because of changes in your health insurance coverage as well as treatment for any mental anguish or emotional distress
- Other consequences associated to your termination of employment
Be sure to keep track of all your damages. You will want to make sure they all are included in your claim against your employer.
Without supporting evidence and documentation, you will not be able to prove your damages and recoup your losses. The more details that you can provide and the more evidence that you can show, the more likely you are to prevail with your wrongful termination claim against your employer.
How Much Could You Receive From A Wrongful Termination Lawsuit?
Wrongful termination lawsuits can vary greatly. There are several different factors that come into play when determining the value of your claim. For example, you were a manager of a retail establishment where you earned $1,000 per week salary plus quarterly bonuses.
You were wrongfully terminated because your employer sexually discriminated against. You found another job three weeks later, but you took a pay cut of $200 per week. You are entitled to $3,000 for the three weeks you were not working. From that point on until now, you are entitled to $200 per week for the decreased wages.
You accumulated $870 in medical bills during that time because you were not working, and you didn’t have medical coverage. When you obtained medical insurance coverage, it costs you $350 per month more. When everything is all added up, the total adds up to about $10,000. Your attorney also asks for compensation for mental anguish and emotional distress. Therefore, your total claim is about $16,000.
Your lawyer will work to negotiate a fair settlement with your employer. Often, these matters are resolved outside court, but sometimes the case must advance to court where a judge or a jury will decide regarding your claim and determine a fair value for your settlement.
Speak With An Employment Law Attorney
If you have been the victim of wrongful termination, an employment law attorney could help you with your claim. Employment lawyers are great resources for such situations. When you talk with an employment law attorney, you should go over their payment plans. Some employment law attorneys work on a contingency fee, but some work on a retainer and require a retainer payment in advance. Work with an attorney that has best the payment plan for your specific needs.
You have limited time to pursue a claim against your employer. You have only 180 days from the date of your wrongful termination to get your claim underway. If you wait too long, you cannot recover compensation for your damages. Since time is of the essence, complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to share the details of your claim with an employment law attorney who handles wrongful termination cases in your area.
